In a tragic turn of events, two female students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, lost their lives in a stampede that occurred at the university’s convocation square on Friday. The stampede unfolded as the Nasarawa State government commenced the distribution of palliatives to the students.
Sources within the university revealed to PUNCH Online that the stampede resulted in the deaths of two female students, with several others sustaining various degrees of injuries. The tragic incident reportedly stemmed from overcrowding, leading to suffocation and subsequent fatalities.
National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association, Yunusa Baduku, confirmed the incident, expressing dismay over the turn of events. Baduku recounted the chaotic scene, detailing how students overwhelmed security measures and rushed into the convocation square where palliatives were being distributed. He lamented the injuries sustained by many, particularly female students, and confirmed the loss of one student’s life.
Baduku extended gratitude to the university management, student leaders, and government representatives for their swift response in providing medical aid to the affected students. He acknowledged their efforts in managing the crisis and restoring order to the school environment amidst the tragedy.
The distribution of palliatives by the state government had been part of efforts to alleviate the economic challenges faced by students. However, the unintended consequences of the distribution resulted in a devastating loss, casting a shadow over the intended goodwill gesture.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety protocols and crowd control measures in public events, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
